Valve cover gaskets questions- '68 442
#1
Valve cover gaskets questions- '68 442
The driver's side valve cover gasket is leaking on my '68 442 (400 cubic inch motor). It drips onto the exhaust manifold and causes a fairly strong odor.
NAPA auto lists a series of valve cover gasket materials at various price points.
My questions:
1) I would appreciate advice on which gasket material to purchase?
2) Also, should I use the "blue" gasket sealing material on the gasket?
3) Does anyone have the torque specifications for the valve cover bolts?
4) Finally, any advice on moving the air conditioner compressor enough to get at all the valve cover bolts and remove? I do not want to loose the A/C coolant fluid.
Thanks for any advice on doing this correctly.
Jim
NAPA auto lists a series of valve cover gasket materials at various price points.
My questions:
1) I would appreciate advice on which gasket material to purchase?
2) Also, should I use the "blue" gasket sealing material on the gasket?
3) Does anyone have the torque specifications for the valve cover bolts?
4) Finally, any advice on moving the air conditioner compressor enough to get at all the valve cover bolts and remove? I do not want to loose the A/C coolant fluid.
Thanks for any advice on doing this correctly.
Jim
#4
#7
The only thing I can say is to give a general warning that applies to all stamped steel covers (valve cover, engine oil pan, trans. oil pan, etc.), and also to soft flanges, like aluminum carbs:
Tighten the bolts less than you think you should.
The typical kid-at-the-gas-station / weekend mechanic tightens them to much, deforming the lip of the cover near the bolt holes, and leaving the areas between them to loose, thus guaranteeing future leaks.
- Eric
Tighten the bolts less than you think you should.
The typical kid-at-the-gas-station / weekend mechanic tightens them to much, deforming the lip of the cover near the bolt holes, and leaving the areas between them to loose, thus guaranteeing future leaks.
- Eric
#10
There is also the Permadry-plus gaskets that are all blue silicone or something. I used one on my Ford and never had a weep! My torque wrench would not go down that low so I used a nutdriver.
Just be sure to hammer the valve cover sealing surface flat first, as often the areas around the holes are warped from over torquing over the years to try to stop leaks.
#11
I always use cork gaskets and silicone them to the valve cover and install them dry on the head side, been doing it that way for 30 years works every time. You can also remove the valve cover several times without hurting the gasket.
#12
I've been able to reuse Mr. Gasket 5875 coated cork if I use oil or grease on both sides, hammer flat the bolt areas of the valve covers, and don't overtighten them. I make sure they go on the same head and valve cover each time, and wiggle the cover to be sure the gaskets are "seated." I have also used the rubber gaskets over. Might try those Fel Pros some day.
#14
#16
I noticed they were discon'ed also.
The regular rubber Felpro VC gaskets are still available at many places and I would recommend those over the cork ones. The rubber ones do not require sealer and are reusable.
The regular rubber Felpro VC gaskets are still available at many places and I would recommend those over the cork ones. The rubber ones do not require sealer and are reusable.
#17
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#22
FelPro PermaDry Plus VS13403T. The “T” is the key, do not confuse with”C” or other suffixes. They’re long since discontinued but do occasionally pop on eBay. Best VCGs made for Olds but now extinct.
On this sight, search “Perma dry” where you will find some good discussion on other choices that are commonly available and people’s opinions of them
….
On this sight, search “Perma dry” where you will find some good discussion on other choices that are commonly available and people’s opinions of them
….
Last edited by bccan; November 29th, 2022 at 08:05 PM.
#23
Gaskets
FelPro PermaDry Plus VS13403T. The “T” is the key, do not confuse with”C” or other suffixes. They’re long since discontinued but do occasionally pop on eBay. Best VCGs made for Olds but now extinct.
On this sight, search “Perma dry” where you will find some good discussion on other choices that are commonly available and people’s opinions of them
….
On this sight, search “Perma dry” where you will find some good discussion on other choices that are commonly available and people’s opinions of them
….
#24
#25
Just trying to help you out. Subject is relevant even if it’s an old thread, VCGs are an ever changing dynamic for our old cars. One would think that with all those bolts the gasket would be inconsequential but that just isn’t the case.
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Last edited by bccan; November 30th, 2022 at 07:02 AM.
#28
I use cork, but after 30+ yrs, I still remind myself to gently snug the bolts. Too much and overtighten, gasket collapses, and leaks are guaranteed.
I battled for years with moroso tall valve covers leaking and tried every type of gasket. When I took off 2x4 intake and went back to stock under the hood, I went with cork and stock valve covers.
I'm sure others will chime in about absorption characteristics and heat and cooling cycling of cork vs other types of gasket material.
Mader
I battled for years with moroso tall valve covers leaking and tried every type of gasket. When I took off 2x4 intake and went back to stock under the hood, I went with cork and stock valve covers.
I'm sure others will chime in about absorption characteristics and heat and cooling cycling of cork vs other types of gasket material.
Mader
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